Can you imagine the changes the world has undergone in the last three weeks. How unthinkable this would have been if someone told you even two months ago that so many of us would be locked up in our homes and when we do venture out it would be with masks and gloves. Our health care workers and first responders risk their lives every day to help others through this tragedy.
I hope you’re finding ways to get through this season. I just heard from Michael, our contact in Kenya, and the virus is drawing near to Pokot. It is already in neighboring Uganda and is causing fear to spread in the region. Here is what Michael wrote a couple of days ago:
Greetings in the most powerful name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are so grateful for the article Why I Don’t Go to Church Anymore. I believe this is the time where this teaching is needed more than any other, and everybody is requesting Swahili and English copies. This evening, we are going to deliver some hard copies to more than 500 leaders who are requesting it. This is amazing.
The North Pokot work is well and they are planting different type of crops and irrigating it all. However, because rumors that the coronavirus is going to sweep all people especially those who are congested like they are, they are afraid. Some have prepared to start fighting it as if it was an animal, armed with traditional spears. Some of the old men who still believe in tradition started preparing rituals. However, our coaches are doing extra work to educate and teach them that sanitizer could help prevent its spread and that they need to put their trust in God.
The coaches especially those who trained in the health department, have told them about the importance of social distance, cleanliness even among the community, and washing hands regularly by using soap. But they don’t have soap. Every household needs two soap dispensers and a container of fresh water to wash hands. This is the report we have got from our supervisor. These things are highly needed now. Anything God can provide through you in these areas will help greatly. As soon as God provides the item Thomas and I will go there and help the situation.
This issue have affected countrywide, it has also affected feeding because people has been minimized movement, for working and many families are starving. Our country has tried our level best to use all resources that they may be having but still the need is overwhelmed, but we trust God for everything. We understand what is happening around the globe especially USA and the burden which you have worldwide.
We are already seeing in the U.S. how the toll of this virus is worse for those who are most vulnerable. Those with many resources have options and those with little do not. We sent $20,000 to Kenya to help them in this crisis, but it will take more. If you have some extra to help them, please send it along. As always, every dollar you send us gets to Kenya, and all contributions are tax-deductible in the US. We do not take out any administrative or money transfer fees. Please see our Donation Page at Lifestream. You can either donate with a credit card there, mail a check to Lifestream Ministries • 1560 Newbury Rd Ste 1 • Newbury Park, CA 91320, or phone us at (805) 498-7774. All contributions are tax-deductible for those in the U.S.
If you’re stretched in this season, please pray for them as you do for your own needs. This is a tough time for so many people and yet we can also put our trust in God who is faithful and a certain refuge in uncertain times.
Thank you for your concern and your prayers.
Can we send a contribution in €?
Yes you can and thanks for asking. Just got o PayPal and send funds to waynej@lifestream.org. We will route them to Kenya.
I really commend that you sent over aid to Kenya during this time. While many are criticizing how we are handling the COVID19 pandemic, I can’t even imagine how 3rd world countries like Kenya will handle this pandemic. I pray that they will be watched over and hope that this blows over soon.
Hi Peter. No, I did not go to Kenya during this time. I’m not sure how you got that impression, but we have people over there that we have worked with for over twelve years and we trust their perspective and their heart to care for desperate people. As bad as this is for America, these things are always worse in countries that have so few resources.
Wayne, Just curious… are any of the coaches or decision makers on this Kenya project women?
Thank you,
Nancy
Nancy, I don’t know. I’ve never seen a picture of our coaches or heard their names. But, the tribes have organized themselves into five committees that deal with the five essentials of sustainability—water, food, medicine, education, and income generation. I know the women are part of those and I’ve seen pictures of me and women working side by side to help the tribes find a way forward.